Councillor Kelly welcomes Lib Dems commitment to keeping the 'triple lock' for state pensions

Councillors Andy Kelly and Irene Davidson with local pensioners in Newhey

Councillor Andy Kelly, Rochdale's Liberal Democrat candidate, has welcomed the Liberal Democrat commitment to keeping the triple lock for state pensions.

The triple lock guarantees the basic state pension rises each year by whichever is the higher of earnings, prices or a rate of 2.5% -  meaning the state pension would be worth at least £137.15 a week by 2021, up from £122.30 in 2017, or an extra £772 a year.

Councillor Kelly said: "Protecting the triple lock will mean an extra £772 a year by 2021 for the 16,690 people receiving the state pension in this constituency.

"The triple lock has succeeded in lifting thousands of pensioners in Rochdale out of poverty, but many are still struggling to get by.

"An important test of a civilised society is the way in which it cares for the elderly. This commitment will ensure older people are able to meet their basic needs and that their living standards will be protected, especially with prices set to rise in the coming years."